Watercraft Propulsion Apparatus

ABSTRACT

A watercraft propulsion apparatus is provided. The watercraft propulsion apparatus includes a watercraft having a hull, wherein the hull has at least an interior side and an exterior side. A motorized device is positioned proximate to the interior side of the hull. A shaft is connected to a propeller structure and positioned proximate to the exterior side of the hull. A drive structure is mechanically connected between the motorized device and the shaft, wherein the drive structure is at least partially positioned within an opening in the hull, wherein the opening is connected between the interior side and the exterior side.

FIELD OF THE DISCLOSURE

The present disclosure is generally related to watercraft propulsion and more particularly is related to a watercraft propulsion apparatus.

BACKGROUND OF THE DISCLOSURE

Boats, ships, and other watercraft are in increasingly-high demand in society today. Watercraft vessels are used for a wide range of purposes, including recreational purposes, industrial purposes, within the transportation industry, and in many other settings. Conventional watercraft vessels are primarily propelled with fossil fueled-powered engines and motors, but fossil fuel based devices have many shortcomings. For example, fossil fuel engines are highly inefficient, noisy, dirty, and prone to expensive maintenance and repair, whereas other propulsion devices, namely electrically-powered motors, are highly efficient, quiet, clean, and have fewer moving parts than fossil fuel engines. Thus, the use of electrically-powered motors within watercraft vessels may provide significant benefits over conventional water craft propulsion.

The ability to change an existing fossil fuel-powered engine in a watercraft vessel to a cleaner electrically-powered engine is desirable by many watercraft owners and operators. However, the interchangeability of conventional engines with new engines is usually poor, thus making it difficult to replace conventional engines. For example many recreational watercraft vessels use fossil fuel-based outboard motors which are required to be accessibly positioned on the watercraft for refueling and maintenance. The use of an electrically-powered motor may allow the propulsion devices of a watercraft to be located in positions with limited accessibility, thereby providing more useful space on the watercraft. However, the current industry has failed to provide solutions for this need.

Thus, a heretofore unaddressed need exists in the industry to address the aforementioned deficiencies and inadequacies.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

There is a long history of technological development related to propelling watercraft through the water from sailing vessels in the 19^(th) century to steam power that put clipper ships out of business around the time of the Civil war. In the early 20^(th) century with the invention of the gasoline engine and the development of the horseless carriage; the automobile industry was born. Later, gas and diesel engines became the standard for both automobile and watercraft propulsion.

Today, there is a worldwide effort to preserve our air, water and natural resources and move toward more efficient and less polluting hybrid and electric vehicles. With recent advances in electric vehicle technology; history will surely repeat itself as electric vehicles become mainstream, electric propelled watercraft will not be far behind.

The present disclosure offers new and improved technology not seen in the prior art. The invention utilizes a simple, self contained, hydrodynamic fin′ and motor to provide rotary motion to the propeller of new or used watercraft.

Electric watercraft propulsion apparatus' devices are related to pushing a vessel through water with the use of onboard electric power from batteries, fuel cells, wind turbines and other power generating devices. While the applicable prior art teaches about propelling a watercraft forward; there are solid differences and improvements to the present disclosure.

The present disclosure utilizes an electric motor for rotary power not seen in much of the prior art for watercraft propulsion. The present disclosure can operate at a high energy efficiency and weighs less contributing to better performance in contrast to the prior art. The new apparatus electric fin′ is simple and modular with fewer parts, not available in electric boat technology today. The present disclosure has a built in water cooling feature not shown in the prior art. The new apparatus eliminates the large protruding hub as shown in the prior art. The present disclosure provides a streamlined slim front leading edge where most prior art propulsion apparatus are vertical moving through the water. In addition to these improvements the present invention is self-contained to fit most new and used watercraft to be converted to electric propulsion. Recent technological developments in traction batteries, wind turbines and onboard power generation will increase the range of electric cars and boats. The present disclosure will provide new technological improvements for converting watercraft to electric propulsion and contribute to worldwide use of electric boats.

SUMMARY OF THE DISCLOSURE

Embodiments of the present disclosure provide a watercraft propulsion apparatus. Briefly described, in architecture, one embodiment of the apparatus, among others, can be implemented as follows. The watercraft propulsion apparatus includes a watercraft having a hull, wherein the hull has at least an interior side and an exterior side. A motorized device is positioned proximate to the interior side of the hull. A shaft is connected to a propeller structure and positioned proximate to the exterior side of the hull. A drive structure is mechanically connected between the motorized device and the shaft, wherein the drive structure is at least partially positioned within an opening in the hull, wherein the opening is connected between the interior side and the exterior side.

Other systems, methods, features, and advantages of the present disclosure will be or become apparent to one with skill in the art upon examination of the following drawings and detailed description. It is intended that all such additional systems, methods, features, and advantages be included within this description, be within the scope of the present disclosure, and be protected by the accompanying claims.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Many aspects of the disclosure can be better understood with reference to the following drawings. The components in the drawings are not necessarily to scale, emphasis instead being placed upon clearly illustrating the principles of the present disclosure. Moreover, in the drawings, like the reference numerals designate corresponding parts throughout the several views.

FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional illustration of a watercraft propulsion apparatus, in accordance with a first exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 2A is a cross-sectional illustration of a watercraft propulsion apparatus, in accordance with a second exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 2B is a transparent plan view illustration of a watercraft propulsion apparatus, in accordance with a second exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional illustration of a watercraft propulsion apparatus, in accordance with a third exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 4 is a top view, cross-sectional illustration of a hydrodynamic shaped housing for a watercraft propulsion apparatus, in accordance with a fourth exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 5 is a top view, cross-sectional illustration of the hydrodynamic-shaped housing for the watercraft propulsion apparatus of FIG. 4, in accordance with the forth exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional illustration of a watercraft propulsion apparatus 10, in accordance with the first exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure. The watercraft propulsion apparatus 10, which may be referred to herein simply as ‘apparatus 10,’ includes a watercraft 20 having a hull 22, wherein the hull 22 has at least an interior side 24 and an exterior side 26. A motorized device 30 is positioned proximate to the interior side 24 of the hull 20. A shaft 40 is connected to a propeller structure 42 and is positioned proximate to the exterior side 26 of the hull 22. A drive structure 50 is mechanically connected between the motorized device 30 and the shaft 40, wherein the drive structure 50 is at least partially positioned within an opening 28 in hull 22, wherein the opening 28 is connected between the interior side 24 and the exterior side 26.

The apparatus 10 may be used with any type of watercraft 20, including any type of boat, ship or other type of movable watercraft device. For clarity in disclosure, the watercraft 20 in FIG. 1 depicts a simplistic watercraft 20 which is not considered limiting, since the apparatus 10 may be used with any type of watercraft 20 vessel having any size, any hull 22 shape, or any other variation. The apparatus 10 may be used with a watercraft 20 that is constructed from new, or an existing watercraft 20, where the apparatus 10 is retrofitted to the watercraft 20. For example, the apparatus 10 may be modular such that the motorized device 30 is connected to the interior side 24 of the hull 22 and the shaft 40 is affixed to the exterior side 26 of the hull 22. This modularity of the apparatus 10 may allow for easy and convenient use and installation with any existing watercraft 20 with minor alterations to the watercraft 20.

Preferably, the apparatus 10 may be used to convert existing watercraft 20 having a fossil fuel-powered motor or engine into a watercraft 20 using an electrical-based motor. Preferably, the apparatus 10 is used with electrical-based motors, including single electric drive motors, twin electric drive motors, inboard and/or outboard electric drive motors, stabilizer electric drive motors, or any combination thereof. As is discussed further with respect to the second exemplary embodiment, each of these motors may be used with a hydrodynamic-shaped housing commonly called a fin, which surrounds the shaft 40 carrying the propeller structure 42. As those skilled in the art can recognize, the use of fossil fuels for propulsion in boats and other transportation devices is environmentally unfriendly and highly inefficient. Additionally, conventional fossil fuel engines and motors are noisy, they often emit undesirable odors, and they require significant costs in operation and maintenance, in part due to numerous number of moving parts they contain, among many other disadvantages.

The apparatus 10 may be used to provide improvements in the watercraft and boating industry. The watercraft 20 with which the apparatus 10 is used has a hull 22, which is generally defined as the watertight body of the watercraft 20 which is in communication with the water when the watercraft 20 is in use. The hull 22 has at least an interior side 24, which is the side of the hull 22 that faces away from the water when the watercraft 20 is in use, and an exterior side 26 of hull 22 which is the side of the hull that contacts the water while the watercraft 20 is in use. Of course, the hull 22 may have any dimensions, sizes, and variations, including curved and planar surfaces, edges, and additional sides.

The motorized device 30 is positioned proximate to the interior side 24 of the hull 22, as is shown in FIG. 1. In accordance with this disclosure, the motorized device 30 may include any type of machine or combination of machines that conveys energy into mechanical motion, such as any type of engine or motor. Although an electrically-powered motorized device 30 is preferable, the motorized device 30 may include fossil fuel powered engines, or machines powered by any other means available. The motorized device 30 is positioned proximate to the interior side 24 of the hull 22, which generally includes the motorized device 30 being placed substantially in contact with a surface on the interior side of 24 of the hull 22. In this position, the motorized device 30 may be located proximate to the hole 28 within the hull 22 and proximate to the shaft 40 on the underside of the watercraft 20.

A shaft 40 and propeller structure 42 are positioned proximate to the exterior side 26 of the hull 22, which locates the shaft 40 and propeller structure 42 exterior of the watercraft 20 and in contact with any body of water that the watercraft 20 is placed in. For example FIG. 1, the shaft 40 and propeller structure 42 may be fully submerged within the body of water when the watercraft 20 is placed in the body of water. Accordingly, when the shaft 40 and propeller structure 42 are rotated, contact between the water and the propeller structure 42 may move the watercraft 20, as is well known within the art. The propeller structure 42 is mechanically connected to the shaft 40, which may be supported by one or more support structures 44 and bearings, thereby allowing the shaft 40 to rotate about its elongated axis. Of course, any number of shafts 40 and any number of propeller structures 42 may be used with the apparatus 10. For example the apparatus 10 may include one propeller structure 42 pushing and/or pulling the watercraft 20, twp propeller structures 42 located at either end of a hydrodynamic-shaped housing or fin (discussed with respect to FIG. 2), or any number of propeller structures 42 used for stabilizing or moving the watercraft 20.

The drive structure 50 may include any structure or combination of structures that mechanically connects the motorized device 30 and the shaft 40. For example, the drive structure 50 may include any type of belt, chain, gear assembly, transfer shaft, or other structures, which transfers the mechanical energy of the motorized device 30 to the shaft 40. The drive structure 50 is positioned at least partially within the opening 28 in the hull 22, which allows the drive structure 50 to be connected between the motorized device 30 and the shaft 40. The opening 28 in the hull 22 may be characterized as any opening or hole that is connected between the interior side 24 and the exterior side 26 of the hull 22 and allows for sufficient space for the drive structure 50 to be inserted and positioned therein. Of course, the hole 28 may have a number of additional features, such as gaskets or other materials to prevent water from entering the watercraft 20 through the hole 28.

Installation of the apparatus 10 may include removing all previous propulsion components from the watercraft 20, if any are present. The motorized device 30 may then be installed on the interior side 24 of the hull 22, substantially above the opening 28 in the hull 22. The drive structure 50 may be inserted within the hole 28 and mechanically connected to the shaft 40, which has been rotatably secured to the exterior side 26 of the hull 22. The motorized device 30 may then be initiated to create mechanical energy, which is transferred through the drive structure 50 to the shaft 40. As the drive structure 50 rotates the shaft 40, the propeller structure 42 is rotated while in contact with the water, which propels the watercraft 20.

FIG. 2A is a cross-sectional illustration of a watercraft propulsion apparatus, in accordance with a second exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure. The watercraft propulsion apparatus 110 of the second exemplary embodiment, which may be referred to herein simply as apparatus 110′ may be substantially similar to the apparatus 10 of the first exemplary embodiment, and include any of the features, designs and/or configurations that are described with respect to any of the embodiments disclosed herein.

As is shown, the apparatus 110 includes a watercraft 120 having a hull 122, wherein the hull 122 has at least an interior side 124 and an exterior side 126. A motorized device 130 is positioned proximate to the interior side 124 of the hull 122. A shaft 140 is connected to a propeller structure 142 and is positioned proximate to the exterior side 126 of the hull 122. A drive structure 150 is mechanically connected between the motorized device 130 and the shaft 140, wherein the drive structure 150 is at least partially positioned within an opening 128 in the hull 122, wherein the opening 128 is connected between the interior side 124 and the exterior side 126. The shaft 140 may be supported by any number of support devices 144 with any type of bearing, thereby providing a rotatable positioning of the shaft 140 relative to the watercraft 120.

The apparatus 110 may be substantially similar to the apparatus 10 of the first exemplary embodiment in design and function. However, the apparatus 110 further includes a hydrodynamic-shaped housing 160 which is positioned on the exterior side 126 of the hull 122 and substantially houses the shaft 140. The hydrodynamic-shaped housing 160, which may be known as a ‘fin’ within the industry, may include any substantially hydrodynamic shape to provide for a streamlined and efficient movement of the watercraft 120 through the water. The hydrodynamic-shaped 160 housing may be sized large enough to house a substantial portion of the shaft 140, and any support structures 144 therein. The shaft 140 may exit the hydrodynamic-shaped housing 160 on one end, thereby allowing the propeller devise 142 to be placed in contact with the water. Other designs may include a plurality of propeller devices 142 with a plurality of shafts 140, where the plurality of propeller devices 142 are positioned on any side of the hydrodynamic-shaped housing 160.

The hydrodynamic-shaped housing 160 may be substantially water-tight, thereby preventing water from entering an interior portion of the hydrodynamic-shaped housing 160 and contacting the shaft 140. However the hydrodynamic-shaped housing 160 may also be designed to allow water to enter into the interior portion and contact the shaft 140 and other components. This may allow for efficient cooling of the shaft 140, the bearings, or any other moving parts of the apparatus 110 without the added expense and complication of a mechanical or chemical cooling system. As one having ordinary skill in the art can see, the hydrodynamic-shaped housing 160 may be affixed to the watercraft 120 in a number of ways, and may include a variety of additional components, all of which are considered within the scope of the present disclosure.

FIG. 2B is a transparent plan view illustration of a watercraft propulsion apparatus, in accordance with the second exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure. The apparatus 110 may be installed with a watercraft having a hull with an interior side and an exterior side (FIG. 2A). A motorized device 130 is positioned proximate to the interior side of the hull. A shaft 140 is connected to a propeller structure 142 and is positioned proximate to the exterior side 126 of the hull 122. A drive structure 150 is mechanically connected between the motorized device 130 and the shaft 140, wherein the drive structure 150 is at least partially positioned within an opening in the hull, wherein the opening is connected between the interior side and the exterior side. The shaft 140 may be supported by any number of support devices 144 with any type of bearing, thereby providing a rotatable positioning of the shaft 140 relative to the watercraft. A hydrodynamic-shaped housing 160 is positioned on the exterior side of the hull and substantially houses the shaft 140.

FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional illustration of a watercraft propulsion apparatus, in accordance with a third exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure. The watercraft propulsion apparatus 210 of the third exemplary embodiment, which may be referred to herein simply as apparatus ‘210’ may be substantially similar to the apparatuses 10 and 110 of the first and second exemplary embodiments, and include any of the features, designs and/or configurations that are described with respect to any of the embodiments disclosed herein.

As is shown, the apparatus 210 includes a watercraft 220 having a hull 222, wherein the hull 222 has at least an interior side 224 and an exterior side 226. A motorized device 230 is positioned proximate to the interior side 224 of the hull 222. A shaft 240 is connected to a propeller structure 242 and is positioned proximate to the exterior side 226 of the hull 222. A drive structure 250 is mechanically connected between the motorized device 230 and the shaft 240, wherein the drive structure 250 is at least partially positioned within an opening 228 in the hull 222, wherein the opening 228 is connected between the interior side 224 and the exterior side 226. The shaft 240 may be supported by any number of support devices 244 with any type of bearing, thereby providing a rotatable positioning of the shaft 240 relative to the watercraft 220.

The apparatus 210 includes a hydrodynamic-shaped housing 260 which is positioned on the exterior side 226 of the hull 222 and substantially houses the shaft 240. The hydrodynamic-shaped housing 260 may be substantially similar to the hydrodynamic-shaped housing 160 described in FIG. 2. The apparatus 210 depicts the motorized device 230 located in a position on the interior surface 224 of hull 222, but on a platform 270 of the watercraft 220. The platform 270 may be referred to in the art as a swim platform or launching platform. The platform 270 is generally positioned on the watercraft 220 such that it is located approximately at a water surface on the body of water. By placing the motorized device 230 on the platform 270, as opposed to it being placed within a cabin or compartment of the watercraft 220, the motorized device 230 may allow for more usable space within the cabin or compartment, which are generally, used by boaters in watercraft related activities.

FIG. 4 is a top view, cross-sectional illustration of a hydrodynamic-shaped housing 360 for a watercraft propulsion apparatus 310, in accordance with a fourth exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure. The watercraft propulsion apparatus 310 of the fourth exemplary embodiment, which may be referred to herein simply as ‘apparatus 310 may be substantially similar to the apparatuses 10, 110, and 210 of the first, second, and third exemplary embodiments, and include any of the features, designs and/or configurations that are described with respect to any of the embodiments disclosed herein. In particular, FIG. 4 depicts the hydrodynamic-shaped housing 360 of the apparatus 310 which houses the shaft 340 connected to the propeller device 342. As is shown, the hydrodynamic-shaped housing 360 may have a shape that provides for very low water resistance when the watercraft is moving through the water. This may include a hydrodynamic-shaped housing 360 having pointed ends and a body substantially free from protrusions or other shapes that may create drag in the water.

FIG. 5 is a top view, cross-sectional illustration of the hydrodynamic-shaped housing 360 for the watercraft propulsion apparatus 310 of FIG. 4, in accordance with the fourth exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure. The hydrodynamic-shaped housing 360 is shown formed with separate components, primarily at least two pointed end pieces 362, two internal connectors 364, and two body pieces 366. As is shown, the two internal connectors 364 may connect the body pieces 366 with the pointed end pieces 362. Any connections there between may be secured with a fastening device 368, which may include any type of adhesive fastener, threaded fastener, rivet, bonded joint, or other fastener. In FIG. 5, the fastening device 368 is illustrated as a hole sized to receive a threaded fastener (not shown). Of course, alternative methods and configurations are available for forming the hydrodynamic-shaped housing 160, all of which are considered within the scope of the present disclosure.

The overall structure of the hydrodynamic-shaped housing 360 may provide for substantially low drag or resistance in the water when the watercraft is moving. This may include a hydrodynamic-shaped housing 360 that is substantially symmetrical or equal in various dimensions. For example, each of the two pointed ends 362 may efficiently slice through the water, which flows around the sides of the body pieces 366. Of course, other hydrodynamic shapes are sufficient for use as well, many of which may include different components than explicitly disclosed herein. Any of the components of the hydrodynamic-shaped housing 360 may include features for housing the shaft 340 (FIG. 4), such as openings or holes to allow the shaft 340 to traverse from a location interior of the hydrodynamic-shaped housing 360 to a location external to the hydrodynamic-shaped housing 360. Additionally, the hydrodynamic-shaped housing 360 may include any type of angled surface or features, such as a fin, which lifts the watercraft out of the water when it is moving. For example, such a surface or fin positioned on the hydrodynamic-shaped housing 360 may be used to raise the watercraft out of the water during motion, thereby lessening drag on the watercraft.

It should be emphasized that the above-described embodiments of the present disclosure, particularly, any “preferred” embodiments, are merely possible examples of implementations, merely set forth for a clear understanding of the principles of the disclosure. Many variations and modifications may be made to the above-described embodiments of the disclosure without departing substantially from the spirit and principles of the disclosure. All such modifications and variations are intended to be included herein within the scope of this disclosure and the present disclosure and protected by the following claims. 

What is claimed is:
 1. A watercraft propulsion apparatus comprising: a watercraft having a hull, wherein the hull has at least an interior side and an exterior side; a motorized device positioned proximate to the interior side of the hull; a shaft connected to a propeller structure and positioned proximate to the exterior side of the hull; and a drive structure mechanically connected between the motorized device and the shaft, wherein the drive structure is at least partially positioned within an opening in the hull, wherein the opening is connected between the interior side and the exterior side.
 2. The watercraft propulsion apparatus of claim 1, further comprising a hydrodynamic-shaped housing positioned on the exterior side of the hull and substantially housing the shaft.
 3. The watercraft propulsion apparatus of claim 1, wherein the motorized device further comprises at least one electrically powered motor.
 4. The watercraft propulsion apparatus of claim 1, further comprising at least one shaft connected to at least one propeller.
 5. The watercraft propulsion apparatus of claim 1, wherein the drive structure further comprises a means to transmit rotational motion to the shaft.
 6. The watercraft propulsion apparatus of claim 2, further comprising a means to flow water through the hydrodynamic-shaped fin′ for cooling and lubrication of the propeller shaft.
 7. The watercraft propulsion apparatus of claim 2, wherein the hydrodynamic-shaped housing further comprises an open top to the interior side of the hull for internal installation, alteration, maintenance, removal and repair.
 8. The watercraft propulsion apparatus of claim 2, wherein the hydrodynamic-shaped housing further comprises a means to provide water cooling to the motor.
 9. The watercraft propulsion apparatus of claim 2, wherein the hydrodynamic-shaped housing is comprised of curved vertical forward and rear pointed ends.
 10. The watercraft propulsion apparatus of claim 2, wherein the hydrodynamic-shaped housing is comprised of a straight vertical acute angular front leading edge.
 11. The watercraft propulsion apparatus of claim 5, wherein the drive structure is comprised of a driveshaft positioned mechanically connected to the motorized device and the shaft.
 12. The watercraft propulsion apparatus of claim 5, wherein the drive structure contains a flexible driveshaft mechanically connected to the motorized device and the shaft.
 13. The watercraft propulsion apparatus of claim 5, wherein the drive structure includes a pulley and belt mechanically connected to the motorized device and the shaft.
 14. The watercraft propulsion apparatus of claim 5, wherein the drive structure comprises of sprockets and chain mechanically connected to the motorized device and the shaft.
 15. The watercraft propulsion apparatus of claim 2, wherein the hydrodynamic-shaped housing includes a flange and gasket to locate and secure the housing through the inside opening in the hull with means of connection to the inside surface.
 16. The watercraft propulsion apparatus of claim 2, wherein the hydrodynamic-shaped housing comprises a flange and gasket with means of attachment to secure said housing onto the outside surface over the opening in the bottom of the hull.
 17. The watercraft propulsion apparatus of claim 2, wherein the hydrodynamic-shaped housing is comprised of composite or non-metallic material for lower weight.
 18. The watercraft propulsion apparatus of claim 2, wherein the hydrodynamic-shaped housing is comprised of metal for the thermal transfer of heat.
 19. The watercraft propulsion apparatus of claim 1, further comprised of a means to provide lift to the watercraft thereby reducing wetted surface and drag from the hull.
 20. The watercraft propulsion apparatus of claim 1, comprising of a self contained and modular propulsion apparatus for installations under the hull of any watercraft old and new. 